With alcohol prices at an all-time high, officials increase security on border to prevent bootlegging for poll-time voter wooing

The Excise Department has decided to get tough against bootleggers, whom, they fear may try to make most of the high demand of liquor during the polls.


The Excise Department has conducted several raids on liquor being
brought illegally into the city from Goa in the recent past. File photo

In a meeting held last Friday, the department decided to tighten the security at the entry and exit points of the state, where the chances of smuggling illegal liquor are high. Speaking to Sunday MiD DAY, N Mudiraj, superintendent state excise (suburbs) said, "A team of excise squads are deployed at various check posts. We will have a tight nakabandi and thoroughly check all vehicles. We will not only confiscate the illegal liquor but also the vehicle. Strict action will be taken against violators."

A senior excise official on condition of anonymity said, "The department fears that many political parties might woo voters by offering them alcohol that has now become quite unaffordable owing to 50 per cent hike in prices. The department has tightened their watch on bootleggers."

The liquor sale in the state has suffered a major hit due to rise in liquor prices and has led to rise in bootlegging cases. Last Thursday, excise department officials seized Goan liquor worth Rs 63,000 at Govandi. Mudiraj said, "We are investigating the issue to see if the liquor was being brought for political usage or not. Four people have been arrested in the case. It is non-bailable offence."

"We will not let any illegal liquor enter the state. We also request people to be alert as chances are the illegal liquor they purchase might be spurious liquor," Mudiraj added.